Los Angeles Jewish Home Encourages Family Caregivers to Reach Out for Help

RESEDA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In 1997, President Bill Clinton signed the first proclamation designating November as National Family Caregivers (NFC) Month.  Since that time, NFC Month has been proclaimed by every American President.  This year, the Los Angeles Jewish Home is joining efforts nationwide to encourage caregivers to "Reach Out for Help," the theme for NFC Month 2010.

To help family caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other age-related dementia, the Jewish Home offers support groups led by the Home's expert caregivers.  Funded by the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, the groups provide a safe, caring environment for caregivers to meet regularly for mutual emotional support and the exchange of information and coping skills.  The group encourages family members, friends, caregivers, and other individuals who are facing the challenges of caregiving to maintain their own physical and emotional health.  Information on planning, care management, stress management, assistance and advice with care decisions, and community resources is presented during the ongoing program.  The support groups are offered to the public free of charge.

A daytime support group meets at the Home's Eisenberg Village campus at 18855 Victory Boulevard in Reseda, on the first and third Monday of the month from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  An evening group meets at the Grancell Village campus at 7150 Tampa Avenue, also in Reseda, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact the Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group Hotline at (818) 757-4490 or [email protected].

Balancing daily life with the responsibilities of caregiving can be a challenge for caregivers in every situation.  The National Family Caregiver's Association offers a wealth of information and tips that can be helpful to all caregivers.  Please visit their website at www.nfcacares.org.

Caregivers may also "Reach Out for Help" by contacting the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging.  For information on the programs and services they provide, please call (800) 510-2020 or (213) 252-4030, visit their website at www.aging.lacity.org, or contact the office via email at [email protected].

For more information about the Jewish Home, please visit our website at www.jha.org.  There you can sign up to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Top Ten list, featuring articles and tips on healthy aging and interesting news about the Home.  

Founded in 1912, the Los Angeles Jewish Home is one of the foremost multi-level senior living communities in the United States and the largest single-source provider of senior housing in Los Angeles. In total, the Home annually serves more than 1,700 seniors through our extraordinary continuum of services. Each year, more than 1,200 women and men are cared for in-residence on two village campuses, with services including independent-living accommodations, residential care, skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitative care, acute psychiatric care, and Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. Another 500 seniors are served through the Home's community-based programs, which includes Skirball Hospice and community clinics. The Home is a nonprofit organization that relies upon donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to continue its remarkable work. Further information regarding the Home can be found online at www.jha.org or by calling (818) 757-4407.

SOURCE Los Angeles Jewish Home